In the latest video on his YouTube channel, Arsenal insider Charles Watts gave an update on Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury.
The Arsenal academy graduate suffered the problem during the north London derby earlier in the month but did manage to play a significant part in the enthralling 3-3 draw with London rivals West Ham United last time out.
Despite the injury, Saka was still selected by Gareth Southgate in England’s latest Three Lions squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
However, according to Watts, the 19-year-old will play no part in the opening encounter on Thursday evening and has returned to his club for treatment.
He said: “Bukayo Saka, he’s obviously got that hamstring issue that he’s been struggling with with Arsenal. He did play against West Ham, managed about 77 minutes, I think, at the weekend.
“He did then link up with England, but he’s now back at Arsenal because of that hamstring injury. He’s not being pulled out of the squad totally – obviously, England are playing San Marino tonight, I don’t think he’s going to be involved in that one.
“Given that he’s back at London Colney, it’s a case of possibly he could play in the other games that are coming up. They’ve got Albania and Poland over the next few days as well.”
TIF Thoughts on Saka…
Saka has been one of Mikel Arteta’s key men this season, bagging six goals and providing seven assists in 35 appearances for his boyhood side.
The teenager faces a lot of competition for places in his favoured wing position, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho arguably ahead of him in the pecking order, but the versatile young star has already shown he has the potential and talent to stake his claim for a place in the starting XI.
Southgate is thought to rate Saka highly after he impressed during his last call-up in the autumn and the England boss remains hopeful he can contribute this time around as well.
As for his fitness, it seems his condition is not too bad given he is still thought to be in contention for England this week – though it may put fans’ minds at rest if he were to be fully rested ahead of the visit of champions Liverpool at the start of April.